These pull-apart sourdough dinner rolls are fluffy and soft, making them perfect for your meal! Their lovely tangy flavor will have everyone reaching for seconds.
I love how fun it is to tear into these rolls, especially when they’re hot from the oven. They pair well with everything—like butter or a tasty stew! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Using an active sourdough starter is key for flavor and fermentation. If you don’t have starter, store-bought bread dough can work in a pinch, but the flavor will be different.
All-Purpose Flour: This recipe calls for all-purpose flour for a good balance of texture. Bread flour can give a chewier roll due to the higher protein content, which I often prefer for added strength.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter not only enriches the rolls but gives them a lovely crust when brushed on top. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil or vegan butter instead.
Coarse Sea Salt: This sprinkle on top enhances flavor and adds texture. If you don’t have coarse salt, regular table salt will do, but it may not give the same crunch.
How Do You Get That Perfect Rise?
Getting the rolls to rise nicely is crucial for a fluffy texture. The fermentation process with your sourdough starter is essential, so keep an eye on the temperature of your kitchen.
- Make sure your sourdough starter is active before starting. Feed it a few hours in advance if needed.
- Cover the dough during rising to keep it warm and humid. A damp cloth works well.
- If it’s a bit cool in your kitchen, try placing the dough in a warm spot, like the oven with just the light on.
How to Make Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (240 g) active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) warm milk
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) warm water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for brushing
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 4-6 hours to rise plus an additional hour for the second rise and around 25 minutes for baking. So, set aside about 6 to 7 hours total, including prep time and rising! Most of the time is during the rising phases, which you can spend on other tasks.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm milk, warm water, and sugar. Give it a good stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This mixture is the base for your rolls!
2. Form the Dough:
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the mixture. Stir it all together until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it seems a little messy—it will come together during kneading.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you like, you can add the melted butter while you knead to enrich the dough, making your rolls extra soft.
4. First Rise:
Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which should take about 4-6 hours. If your kitchen is cold, it may take longer!
5. Shape the Rolls:
Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down to release some air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball with your hands. Fun, right?
6. Arrange the Dough Balls:
Take a greased cast iron skillet or baking dish and arrange the dough balls closely together. They should be touching so they can pull apart easily after baking.
7. Second Rise:
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again until nearly doubled, which will take about 1-2 hours. This second rise is essential for fluffy rolls!
8. Preheat the Oven:
Once your rolls have risen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)—a nice warm environment for baking!
9. Bake the Rolls:
Put the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
10. Add Butter and Salt:
As soon as you take the rolls out of the oven, brush them with melted butter. Then sprinkle coarse sea salt on top for that extra flavor! Let them cool slightly.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
After a brief cooling, it’s time to pull apart the rolls and serve! They’re best enjoyed warm, with a bit of butter or as a side to your favorite meal. Enjoy the flavorful soft texture with that lovely sourdough tang!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works perfectly, you can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture. Just be aware that the final outcome may vary slightly in softness and rise.
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh for a longer time, you can refrigerate them, but they might lose some softness. Reheat gently before serving!
Can I Freeze These Rolls?
Yes! Once baked and cooled completely, you can freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Use My Sourdough Starter?
Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly, ideally fed a few hours prior to baking. If your starter isn’t bubbly, it might not provide enough lift for the rolls, so always check its activity first!
